beckyg Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 I am about to head home after my visit to MD Anderson. So far nothing much to report. The doctor was very nice and did spend a good half hour with me asking what I waswanting from him and and talknig to me about how I am feeling. He went on and on about how well I was doing--couldn't believe I have been through all the treatment I have been throguh and am still working full time and taking care of a 3 year old. I said that I didn't usually see it that way--I don't think of myself as a cancer patient, but as a 30 year old mom, and I do what I need to do and get aggravated at how my inability to breathe slows me down. He ordered more tests--I haven't had a CT for a while, and he wants a brain MRI. The capacity of my right lung is visibly down since the original scans in January, and he explained that the radiation has done that--just by making so much of my lung scarred and inflexible. He said that is also why my right shoulder has pulled down so much lower than my left, which is probably why my back and shoulder hurt so much. Anyway, he said that his recommendation, assuming there is nothing new that shows up on these scans this week, is that I stick with the Iressa for as long as it continues to hold me stable. He said there are plenty of things left for me to try, but that people have been remianing stable on Iressa for 2 years and more, and that may be the case for me. Anyway, I'll come back next week after I have these tests done and see what he has to say then. I get his point--I don't really like the idea of sitting here waiting for something bad to happen, but Iressa seems to be doing something, so I shouldn't knock it. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David W Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 Becky, nice to hear good news. God Bless, Dave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted October 22, 2003 Share Posted October 22, 2003 Thanks so much for letting us know how you're doing. I hope all your tests go well. Iressa is also working for us too. Hang in there Becky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Cheryl- Posted October 23, 2003 Share Posted October 23, 2003 Hey Becky, Glad to hear about your visit to MD Anderson. I will pray that your tests all come out good for you. It is good to know that the Irressa is keeping you stable. You said that they're were other options? Do you mind sharing some, and what did he say about RFA? I just want these doctors to be proactive and aggressive for you! It sounds like he was impressed by your determiation to continue to work and manage a 3 year old, as am I. Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts, Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebayou Posted October 23, 2003 Share Posted October 23, 2003 Thx for the update Becky! Sounds positive to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beckyg Posted October 23, 2003 Author Share Posted October 23, 2003 He didn't go into my other options at this point--he really wanted to wait until after I have all the tests done before we get into much. I didn't ask him about the RFA this time--will do that next week. He did say that the fact that I have been on Iressa takes me out of the running for a lot of clinical trials because several drugs in the pipeline work in similar ways to Iressa, but that there were several other research studies that I would be eligible for now and still eligible for if and when Iressa stops working for me. As for working--I have the greatest job, boss, colleagues in the world--all working to make things as easy for me as possible. Aside from that, as long as I am well enoguh to be able to be here, it makes a world of difference mentally to get up and go to work. Those months I was doing chemo and radiation and recovering from surgery were way more depressing than the months I have been back, and back then I was still happily hoping that there would be surgery and an "end" to this in the summer. The other part of it is that I have worked full time now for almost 18 months. Before that I was in graduate school, living on teaching assistantships and not paying Social Security. As of my last birthday, my disability payout from Social Security would be about $260 a month. I don't have disability through work because when I started here a healthy 29 year old with a lot of debt from school, I thought I would add that coverage later and pay off some things first. That gamble sure didn't pay off! I have to run and call the hospital here at home today. The doctor yesterday wanted me to stick around and have a CT scan and MRI there. I asked if there was a problem with me doing it in Nacogdoches--at my little hospital, I can make an appointment, wait for 15-30 minutes, have the test done, and get back to my life. At MD Anderson, well, let's just say the waits are longer. I'll keep you all posted as things develop. Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea B. Posted October 23, 2003 Share Posted October 23, 2003 Becky, You have a great attitude and I am happy to hear things are stable for you now. I will pray all your tests come out well and that you get some relief from the shortness of breath. Many blessings to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anniemac Posted October 24, 2003 Share Posted October 24, 2003 Sounds like pretty good news to me, if they can make you stable for 2 years. It sure is nice to get a 2nd opinion...from a good place...and have it be encourgaing. Yeah! Annie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted October 25, 2003 Share Posted October 25, 2003 Becky, It is wonderful to see when Iressa really DOES WORK. I know you won't let cancer get the best of you.........you have far too much to do with a 3 year old. You have a great attitude which I truly admire. Blessings to you, Peg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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